If the Hawks want to go anywhere this season they must have a fit Toni Kukoc and Theo Ratliff, Access Atlanta is reporting today.  Both are well under way in their recovery from injuries form the previous season, with Ratliff yet to suit up for the Hawks after being aquired along with Kukoc and center Nazr Mohammed in a mid-season in a trade that sent Dekembe Mutombo to the Sixers.  An injured right wrist has kept Rafliff out of action, while Kukoc has had shock wave therapy on his right foot twice in the past five months.

"Theo has no restrictions after recovering from a fractured scaphoid bone in his right wrist," trainer Wally Blase said. Blase was more guarded about Kukoc, but said the veteran forward's condition is much improved.  "I've been running and playing some for a week," Kukoc said, "and this time I feel better. I can definitely see the difference. The thing is, though, I'm very slow. I feel slow and I play slow, but I have a month before our first game, so I have plenty of time to be ready."